Food name
category
**Recipe: Salmon in Jacket with Shortcrust Pastry**
Ingredients
- 2 pieces of frozen salmon fillets, defrosted
- 1 sheet of ready-made salty shortcrust pastry dough
- 4-6 slices of Parma ham (or alternative, like prosciutto)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
- Baking paper
Recipe
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
- Preheat your oven according to the shortcrust pastry dough package instructions.
- Defrost the frozen salmon fillets by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl to make an egg wash.
2. **Assemble the Layers:**
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the shortcrust pastry dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Lay out the Parma ham slices on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the thinly sliced red onions over the Parma ham.
- Place the defrosted salmon fillets on top of the onion layer. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
3. **Fold and Seal:**
- Carefully fold the edges of the pastry dough over the salmon and other ingredients, creating a neat rectangular parcel. Press the edges to seal the pastry.
4. **Transfer to Baking Tray:**
- Line a baking tray with baking paper. Gently flip the pastry-wrapped salmon parcel onto the baking paper, seam side down.
5. **Glaze and Bake:**
- Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg wash. This will give the pastry a golden and shiny finish when baked.
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake according to the shortcrust pastry dough package instructions, usually around 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the salmon is cooked through.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Once baked, remove the salmon in jacket from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the salmon in jacket slices with a side salad or your choice of sides.
*Why Frozen Salmon is Safer:*
Using frozen salmon in this recipe can actually be a safer option compared to fresh salmon, as freezing at sufficiently low temperatures can help to destroy or significantly reduce the presence of parasites that might be present in raw fish. Additionally, freezing can also help to preserve the quality of the fish and lock in its freshness. When using frozen salmon, make sure to properly defrost it in the refrigerator or using safe defrosting methods to maintain its texture and flavor. Always check for any specific instructions or guidelines on the packaging of the frozen salmon you're using.
